United States
Very
good
 |
Lookout Security & Antivirus – Better Safe Than Sorry
Tested version: 7.0-94024ef
Latest version: 7.8-96e2110
Requires Android: from 1.5
|
Summary
Security apps for Android get a lot of bad press because a lot of users don't see the point of installing virus scanners—not for Android! But we should keep in mind that these types of apps often come with a lot of other (and potentially very useful) functions. Does Lookout Security & Antivirus fall into this category? Let's find out!
Features & Use
Section rating:
Test device: Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Android version: 4.0.1
Mods: Root
Lookout Security & Antivirus is more than an anti-virus programme for Android—it is a full blown security suite which could potentially protect / help prevent your device from being stolen.
Sidenote: I don't see anti-virus as apps as being essential for Android users, provided you don't turn to dodgy sources to cram your device full with apps, or download louche applications from the market. That said, sussing out scams or viruses calls for a certain amount of experience and / or intuition, which is why the anti-virus function makes perfect sense for newbies.
The app doesn't require permissions to access app files directly. Instead, it asks Android for the package identifier and runs a scan on the data base to see if the app is potentially infected. Granted, this isn't the most accurate of methods, but it can warn newbies of potential virus ridden apps.
Having said this, I find that the other functions that come with the app trump the above.
For instance, the Privacy Advisor is a great way to stay alert and on your toes—it sends notifications whenever there are security issues. Lookout performs a quick scan and the tells you which apps can fix your device's position, access personal data or SMS and contacts. It won't unnecessarily confuse or unsettle users though, seeing as there is a disclaimer explaining that the apps listed are not necessarily malicious, though the Advisor can track down the virus ridden apps. After having gone over all the information provided and come to the conclusion that an app is not quite kosher, it can be uninstalled then and there.
I was a lot less impressed by the Safe Browsing option. It's meant to verify links that can be accessed from the standard Android browser and warn users of potentially not secure ones. However, I was able to access several Warez sites that featured cracked apps (potentially infected), as well as several rip-off sites. Hopefully the blacklist will be expanded very soon!
Both of the functions described above are part of the premium version of the app.
Next there's the Backup function, with which you can backup contacts, call register and photos. Most of us are using Google Sync, so I don't really see the point of this function. There's no option for backing up videos.
The functions that impressed me the most are hands down Find My Phone and the option to lock the device.
I'm going to go into more detail about Find My Phone, but want to mention first off that all functions in this menu require internet access in order to run.
Your device can be positioned (you will receive a notification message informing you of your device's whereabouts), and you can also have a loud siren go off, making it easier to find your stolen, lost or misplaced device once it's been located virtually.
This option is available for free version users. The premium version harbours an additional function, and that is locking the device or else clearing it of all files. The first option requires entering a PIN code which can later be used to unlock the device again.
As far as the settings go: the app scans can be set at intervals, and other function can simply be de/activated. It's a pity settings cannot be protected via password, meaning a thief need only find the option and deactivate it!
Bottom line:
Lookout is a useful application and some of its functions are very promising, but it could be made to be even more powerful with just a few adjustments.
Screen & Controls
Section rating:
Both the website and mobile application for Lookout Security & Antivirus are set up intelligently: all functions are thoroughly explained within the app so that easy usage is guaranteed, even for newbies.
Speed & Stability
Section rating:
Lookout Security & Antivirus is fast, efficient and runs smoothly, even the scans. The app has never crashed on me, and it goes like clockwork in the background. It takes up less than 10 MB.
Price/Performance Ratio
Section rating:
Lookout Security & Antivirus ist free of charge, but should you want the advanced features you will have to shell out US$2,99 per month. A cheaper option to actually insuring your device, and worth the price, in my opinion.
Comparable Apps
Report comparable or similar apps
Developer
Top App:
Lookout Security & Antivirus
Lookout is free, lightweight antivirus, find my phone, and backup for Android. See why (...)
Lookout is free, lightweight antivirus, find my phone, and backup for Android. See why (...)
More Apps:
Lookout Security & Antivirus
You must be logged in in order to become a fan of Lookout Mobile Security.
Features
Screen
Speed
Price
Market Rating:
AndroidPIT User Rating:
Own Rating:
Log yourself in!
Ad
Bookmark / E-Mail
Click on an icon to bookmark this test report. » Send this article via e-mailScreenshots
All Test Reports
- Applications (505)
- Games (300)
Archive
- 2012 (142)
- May (25)
- Songify – Speech to Music
- Money Tab – Everything's Under Control!
- 500px – The Official App
- Get-neutral – Environmental Activism à la Android
- OsmAnd+ – Navigation Made Easy
- TimeTable++ Schedule – What's On Today?
- GRAVITY PROJECT – A Better Temple Run?
- AlarmDroid Pro
- Chord! Free (Guitar Chords) – Crazy Chords
- Rail Maze
- Cartoon Wars
- mSecure - Password Manager – The Ultimate Security Service
- Get Taxi – The London Edition
- Akinator the Genie – Omniscience For Android
- Talking Tom Cat 2 Free – Return Of the Cat
- Solitaire – A Classic
- trainANDtrack! – How fit are you?
- Sonos Controller for Android – Music In the Palm Of Your Hand
- Folder Organizer – Tidy smartphone, tidy mind!
- BMX Boy
- IMDb Movies & TV – Films and Telly Galore
- ICQ Messenger – Chat! Chat! Chat!
- Samurai II: Vengeance – Pure Action!
- Remoteless (for Spotify) – Remote Control for Spotify
- Tiki Kart 3D – Does it compare to Mario Kart?
- April (29)
- March (29)
- February (30)
- January (29)
- May (25)
- 2011 (360)
- 2010 (303)
Write new test report comment:
You must log in or register now,
to submit a comment!
As a logged in user, you can also change the order of the comments.
Market Comments
Samuel, Apr 18, 2012
Wtf these apps deserve negative stars I do not want this garbage app on my phone. give us the ability to remove it along with all the other bloatware
V, Apr 18, 2012
Inexplicable Battery Drain in version 7.8 Lookout has been excellent in all previous versions since about July/2011. Latest version 7.8 - updated as of Apr/11/2012 - has given on a couple days inexplicable battery drain. I run Battery Monitor Widget (2.2.3) and under Estimates>Statistics>Last it clearly shows that Lookout is the second highest battery usage after only Android System. I hope Lookout will investigate this possible issue - otherwise it is a very good app.
James, Apr 18, 2012
Pretty good But try MMGuardian if you are a parent and looking for app to remotely locate, set time limit and monitor text messages, plus text and drive prevention.
Mohammed, Apr 18, 2012
Bad Never backs up- fails, missing device doesn't always work, ZONER is much better
Allen, Apr 18, 2012
So far so good No force closes. Doesn't use too much system resource. Haven't had any issues at all.
babyCakes'(:, Apr 18, 2012
Wont Download Anything aside from lookout(: i love it on my HTC inspire it works amazing and keeps my phone running perfect wouldnt suggest any other app have had it since my first android and ive never had any problems with it
Juan, Apr 18, 2012
Very Good I had my phone history having things i did not look up. Being aware download this. Really helped.
nir miron
there is a complementary app against human penitration
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mas.rht